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Date: 12.11.2012
From: Shane Brown

Subject: I think this post can help people. Please read!

This post is for anyone who thinks that disease can only make your life worse. I want you to know that the good days are not all behind you. I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis in March 2010, twelve months after the first symptoms appeared. I was 36, happily married, employed, and the father of three children aged under 10. My diagnosis came so late that I had lost the ability to walk before a rheumatologist noticed the psoriasis in my scalp and made the connection.
After a year of methotrexate and other stomach-churning delights, I qualified for the biological drug infliximab. I've improved to the point that I can walk with a single crutch, can drive once or twice a week, and can sit up in a chair for about one hour at a time. My rheumatologist advises I may get a little better over time, but I am now on the strongest drugs and only time will tell. My employer had no real option but to replace me, so I found myself at home, unemployable, mostly unable to leave my house, and feeling like I had been unfairly robbed of my body and identity. A pretty big cloud was hanging over me, but I couldn't see my silver lining.
I began writing fiction again as a distraction. I started with a thriller. I'd always enjoyed writing short stories, and I could write lying down on my side (minimal stress on my damaged joints). My old work friends visited me monthly for two years. They encouraged me to have my book professionally edited, proof-read, given a proper cover and then sold on Amazon as an eBook. I was uncertain, but they assured me that lots of people were reading books on Kindles and iPads and iPhones and all kinds of devices.
Well, I did. I had nothing to lose. And to my amazement the books started selling. I have received a paycheck (small, but a start) from Amazon every month since I started selling online.
I am now a published novelist. More importantly, however, I've found a network of people who read my book and left comments. At the time of this writing, forty-six people had taken the time to post me a message online saying they enjoyed the book and wanted more. Hereās the proof http://tiny.cc/ibuucw
I look on this as a new chance. A new career path. FINALLY - something that I can do. Something the disease can't stop. In fact, it was the disease that gave me the time to explore this dream. When family and friends ask me, 'How are you now, Shane?', I don't talk about my illness anymore, I talk about my writing. My silver lining is quickly turning into my new identity. I'm looking forward to the future again now. I think that some of my best days are ahead of me.

If this has helped anyone at all, let me know. I'd like to think I gave someone some encouragement.
Best,
Shane
www.shanembrown.com
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Date: 12.11.2012
From: Colin

Subject: Re: I think this post can help people. Please read!

hi Shane

gl with the writing , so nice to have something to distract oneself from the problems we suffer

your'e Pa is not that much diferent with RA , personaly would go back to your doctors , there is prenty they can offer you in other bio drugs which may control the arthritis better , some seem to work & then afer a while are less effective
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Date: 12.11.2012
From: rhona

Subject: Re: I think this post can help people. Please read!

Hi Shane,

Congratulations on getting your book published, it is lovely to hear positive stories. I am pleased you are now doing what you enjoy despite the pain.

As Colin says, there are other biologic drugs if the one your are on is not doing enough for you.

Good luck with the writing and thank you for sharing this.
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Date: 16.11.2012
From: willis

Subject: Re: I think this post can help people. Please read!

well done Shane it is good to hear such good come from bad or rather, unfortunate circumstances. being one the kindle, iphone junkies you talk of, i will now go hunt your book -
long may it continue and good luck if you kick the hospital to re look at meds
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Date: 17.11.2012
From: Shane Brown

Subject: Re: I think this post can help people. Please read!

Hi,

Thanks for responding and for the suggestions. The medicine I'm on now is a biological (It's called infliximab here but has other names, I've also been on humira). It has done a lot for me. My Psoriatic Arthritis was the worst my rheumatologist had encountered (just what you want to hear). I was quite literally barely able to move. I feel I am making progress, but it feels like it takes years. But anyway, I have started communicating on forums because I want to be supportive. I'm tired of talking about what I can't do. I want to show people what they can do, even if their illness seems to make life only seem worse. Thanks again for your comments.
best
Shane
www.shanembrown.com
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Date: 17.11.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: I think this post can help people. Please read!

Inspiring!
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